I'm considering participating in this years Gran Fondo race at Laguna Seca (the one open to the public). It says its 20.2 miles with 4700' elevation gain. It doesnt seem too difficult, but wondering how conditioned one needs to be to finish the course in reasonable time.

For those who have run this before, how difficult was the course? And about how long does it take to complete?

01-27-2013

Froride1

I did it last year. The course is the same as the Cat 2 race course. It's not technical but it is 20 miles. The climbs are not difficult but some, like the fireroad back to the track are long. Last year it was hot, mid 90's, which is unusual for Laguna Seca. The heat made it a tough ride. You'll need to be able to ride the distance comfortablely, if you can you shouldn't have a problem riding it. Remember its a ride not a race so don't get sucked into going all out, if you do it'll be a long ride.

01-27-2013

NoBalance

If its the same course as the race, it should be more like 3500 feet tops.

01-27-2013

grumblingcrustacean

For a challenge, do it on a singlespeed :thumbsup:

If you want extra humiliation, do the CAT2 race on a SS...you end up passing tandems and then have a bunch of high school youngsters that have no appreciation for their elders (on SS) on the trail ahead of them.

01-27-2013

ziscwg

It's work, but not too hard. It's not a race either except for the first 20 or so guys that ride it. So, if you need a break, there are rest stops.

if you can do the double loop at Demo or ride Skeggs to the bottom and out with some bonus tracks, you'll make it.

01-27-2013

allthatisman

I did it last year, and while it was a lot of climbing, it's not impossible. It was really hot last year, and toward the end of the trail the water was all sitting in the sun... so nothing was cold. I signed up again this year with a better bike, and I'll be in better shape. It's nothing terribly technical, but it is a lot of climbing, so be prepared for that.

01-27-2013

solidfish

Thanks for the responses. I mostly do short rides under 10 miles, less than 3 hours, so I'll have to try conditioning for some longer rides. Been searching some youtube videos and the hardest parts seem to be in the sandy areas.

03-19-2013

solidfish

About what finish time is considered respectable for the Gran Fondo? Under 3 hours?

03-19-2013

sparkyJay

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stripes

While the Grand Fondo is just a ride, but so many people treat it like a race and are so proud of their placing. :rolleyes:

This really cracks me up! And just watch, it will happen again this year.